Canadian pork processor Maple Leaf Foods has signed a definitive agreement to acquire VIAU Foods, a producer of premium Italian cooked, dry-cured and charcuterie meats for a purchase price of CA$215m, including CA$30m in Maple Leaf stock.

Average profitability for meat processors in Russia meat processors has hit one of its lowest levels ever, as the industry finds itself caught between high prices for raw materials and weak purchasing power among consumers.